A cruise ship that caused a global health scare due to a severe hantavirus outbreak has been given approval to resume operations following a thorough cleaning. Earlier this month, three individuals lost their lives, and ten others were infected as the rat-borne virus spread on the MV Hondius, leading to concerns about potential human-to-human transmission worldwide.
Following the incident, over 170 passengers and crew, including 30 British nationals, were evacuated from the ship. After undergoing a comprehensive disinfection process in Rotterdam, the authorities confirmed that the MV Hondius had been fully disinfected and was now cleared to set sail again without any hindrances. The ship underwent four essential inspections and a deep clean by workers in protective hazmat suits during its stay in the Netherlands.
Upon reaching the Port of Rotterdam on May 18, the vessel underwent a decontamination program requiring a meticulous cleaning regimen over several days. Crew members wore personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure thorough sanitization of the ship, thereby preventing the need for quarantine post-cleaning.
The 25 crew members and two medical personnel who remained on the ship from the Canary Islands to the Netherlands were immediately quarantined upon arrival to monitor any potential virus incubation for 42 days. Additionally, stringent rodent inspection procedures were conducted to eliminate any sources of the virus onboard.
Health authorities in Rotterdam, along with infection control experts, conducted a final inspection of the MV Hondius on May 29, confirming the ship’s cleanliness and the success of the decontamination process.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the MV Hondius, plans to resume the ship’s services as early as June 13 for its upcoming Arctic journey, with stops in Svalbard, Norway. The World Health Organization’s Director-General has stated that the virus seems to be contained, and all passengers and crew remain under quarantine for monitoring and care if necessary.
